ChordStrike

Sasquatch!

 

May 27-30, 2011

George, WA

Sasquatch! caters to up and coming indie and electro acts, as well as those bands that established the genres. Out of the 92 acts, there’s an emphasis on Pacific Northwest artists, and there’s a comedy tent, which is sweet, ‘cause we love funny stuff. The festival sells out every year, with 50K music lovers making the pilgrimage to the center of the state; the small town of George, WA on the Columbia River.

Headliners include Foo Fighters on the heels of a new album, WA acts Death Cab for Cutie and Modest Mouse. Indie granddaddies Wilco will make an appearance, as will Rodrogo Y Gabriela and The Flaming Lips, both back for their second go-round (in 2008 The Lips brought their UFO show and it was bananas). Portland, Oregon’s Decemberists and Bright Eyes, as well as Ireland’s folk punksters Flogging Molly are all coming to the party, too. Even Canadians Death from Above 1979 are reforming and descending from the Great White North.

The emphasis on electro-rock excites us and there are a lot of acts about which we are pumped. Swedish muse Robyn, DJ genre-blurer Bassnectar, and duos Ratatat, MSTRKRFT and Chromeo have us all a-twitter.On the groove- side is Seattle’s own Wheedle’s Groove band, funkateers of the highest caliber from 1965-1975, as well as vocal powerhouse, Ms. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.

Sasquatch! Official site

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Bestival

 

September 8-11, 2011

Isle of Wight, UK

We have it on good authority that one of Eurpoe’s finest smaller scale events – compared to Glastonbury or Roskilde – is the Isle of Wight’s Bestival. About two hours outside of London to the southeaast, the festival boasts an eclectic lineup in a beautiful, leafy park. Campers can rent tipis or yurts, but there’s more traditional tent camping, too. The event is family friendly and since its inception in 2004, the festival has won numerous awards from the UK Festival Awards.

The Cure, Primal Scream Screamadelica Live, Brian Wilson, Magnetic Man, Robyn, Crystal Castles, DJ Shadow, Katy B, LFO, Omar Souleyman, Boys Noise, Diplo, A Trak, Norman Jay, Grandmaster Flash, David Rodigan, 65 Days of Static – Live Film Score, Cranes, The Two Bears, Carte Blanche, Pantha Du Prince, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Bestival Official site

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Camp Bisco Ten

July 7-9, 2011

Mariaville, NY

Line-up TBA

This three-day music and arts event at picturesque Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, New York is one of the original and longest running electronic/rock festivals. Founded by electro-rockers, The Disco Biscuits and boasting 70+ acts over two stages, it’s small wonder that Camp Bisco was named one of the "Top Ten Summer Music Festivals" by Forbes Traveler. The event has been happening since 2001, so if you want to experience some of the tenth anniversary party, make tracks to New England in early July!

Camp Bisco Official site

Camp Bisco Twitter

Camp Bisto Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

 

Lightning In a Bottle

 

Lightning in a Bottle

May 27-30, 2011

Silverado, CA

This sustainable festival put on by The Do Lab at Oak Canyon Ranch is a beautiful participatory weekend of live music and dance-friendly beats, breathtaking art installations, smiling faces, yoga, workshops and more. Since 2004, LiaB has established itself as the antithesis to soulless raves; the four-day outdoor event is uniquely full of heart and a true community experience.

Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, Beats Antique, Lucent Dossier Experience, MiM0SA, Nick Warren, PANTyRAiD, Random Rab and the Infinidroid, Dub Kirtan Allstars (feat. Freq Nasty & David Starfire),, Emancipator, The Malah, The Great Mundane, Stephan Jacobs, NastyNasty, duckbutter, Flook, Mark Zabala, Kaminanda, MAV3N, Melanie Moore, Metal Mother, The Mowgli’s,KRADDY, Claude VonStroke, Eskmo, Jay Tripwire, Virtual Boy, Low Riderz, Y La Bamba, Android Cartel, Sammy Bliss, Octopus Nebula, Heyoka, ill-esha, Dj Maggie, Gladkill, Wobs, Lulacruza, Joe Rodriguez, Russ Liquid, Phutureprimitive, Desert Dwellers, Joplin, Thievery Corporation, Bonobo, Lee Burridge, Paper Diamond, Fools Gold, John Kelley, Baths, Invisible Allies, Idiot Savant, LYNX, Syd Gris, El Papachango, Pumpkin, Shawna, Brad Moontribe, dela Moontribe, Love in the Circus, Matt Xavier, Inspired Flight, GoldRush, Brutus

Lightning In a Bottle Official site

Lightning In a Bottle Twitter

Lightning In a Bottle Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

 

Pitchfork Music Festival

July 15-17, 2011

Chicago, IL

Tastemakers Pitchfork Media have announced the preliminary lineup for their sixth annual festival in Chicago. The focus is primarily on indie and alternative hip-hop, electronica, experimental rock, punk, and jazz. Sub-genres chillwave, freak-folk, synth-pop loom large at this Chicago event.

Animal Collective, TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes, Cut Copy, The Dismemberment Plan, Deerhunter, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Destroyer, James Blake, OFWGKTA, Das Racist, Kylesa, Curren$y, Woods, Yuck, Sun Airway, more TBA

Pitchfork Music Festival Official site

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Electric Forest

June 30-July3, 2011

Rothbury, MI

Taking place over the 4^th of July weekend in Michigan, Electric Forest has taken the place of the now-defunct Rothbury Festival and is tag-teamed by talent agency Madison House Publicity and rave promoter Insomniac (Electric Daisy).

Now in its second year, the 2011 line-up for this event has a rocker hippie mentality with a Party-with-a-capitol-P atmosphere. A good amount of rock, funk, bluegrass, and reggae, but what makes this festival so popular is the whoop-squeal of the dance music. Electronic musicians rule and there are more DJs than you can pump a fist to populate the weekend.

The event features the nighttime attraction, The Sherwood Forest, filled with art installations and crazy lights. On-site camping for easy access.

String Cheese Incident, Tiësto, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, REO Speedwagon, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Stephen Marley, Kaskade, Shpongle Presents The Shpongletron Experience, Railroad Earth, Laidback Luke, JJ Grey & Mofro, Excision, The New Deal, EOTO, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Skrillex, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Toubab Krewe, Bonobo (DJ Set), Beats Antique, Big Gigantic, Chiddy Bang, Eskmo, Lettuce, Eliot Lipp, Paper Diamond, The Infamous Stringdusters, Zion I & The Grouch, Greensky Bluegrass, Feed Me, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band,, The Beautiful Girls (Acoustic), 12th Planet, The Pimps of Joytime, Rubblebucket, Archnemesis, Emancipator, Break Science, The Macpodz, VibeSquaD, Euforquestra, The Hood Internet, Lynx, Two Fresh, KRAZ (DJ Set), The Treasures, Steez, SuperDre, Panic Bomber, Dragon Wagon

Electric Forest Official site

Electric Forest Twitter

Electric Forest Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Electric Forest Facebook page

Movement: Detroit Electronic Music Festival

 

May 28-30, 2011

Detroit, MI

Turns out Motown, Kid Rock, and Eminem aren’t the only musical things to come out of Detroit: The Detroit Electronic Music Festival has been slowly and steadily making a name for itself since 2000.

The dance music festival has gone through name and venue changes, but the love of DJ and electronic music remains. The event is held at several locations with evening and late night shows. The event claims to draw over 1M visitors.

Initial line-up: Ana Sia, Art Department, Bruce Bailey, Cio D’or, Dam-Funk & Master Blazter, DJ T-1000, Echospace, Goldie, Green Velvet, Kerri Chandler, Marcel Deltman, Mimosa, Reference, Scuba, Shlomi Aber, Skrillex, Soul Clap, Sven Väth, Tini, Visionquest, and more TBA

Movement: DEMF Official site

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Summer Camp

 

May 27-29, 2011

Chillicothe, Illinois

Now in its tenth year, Summer Camp has become the premier Midwestern festival for the aficionados of “jambands” and other staples of the American music scene as well as bands pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. Festival attendees virtually double the population of Chillicothe over the course of the three-day event, which is held at Three Sisters Park and features on-site camping and over 65 bands on five stages.

From hip-hop to bluegrass and everything in between, Summer Camp has it all. Daytime shows run into the night and for those who wish to keep the party going, late-night shows push into the early morning hours.

moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector Nine), Bassnectar, Cypress Hill, The Avett Brothers, Girl Talk, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Slightly Stoopid, Lotus, Wiz Khalifa, Skrillex, EOTA, Conrmeal, Punch Brothers, Daedelus, The Pimps of Joytime, Ryan Montbleau Band, Paper Diamond, and dozens more…

Summer Camp Official site

Summer Camp Twitter

Summer Camp Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Decibel Festival

 

Early fall 2011

Seattle, WA

Line-up TBA

Similar to Ultra and the Detroit Electronic Music Fest, the five-day Decibel Festival is part conference-part showcase. Self-described as seeking to “bridge the gap between technology and creativity through visual art, workshops, panel discussions, and cutting-edge electronic music performances,” Decibel Festival actually hosts electronic and DJ shows year-round in Seattle, but early fall brings the some of the best performers and thinkers in the genre to town.

The festival is a non-profit and has been running since 2003 and takes place at a handful of venues (and parks, as you can see from the Gaslam Killer video above) around Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Note: it is one heck of a good time.

Decibel Festival Official site

Decibel Festival Twitter

Decibel Festival Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

 

Nateva Music & Camping Festival

 

August 4-7, 2011

Oxford, ME

Rolling Stone described the Maine Festival as “intimate, family-friendly, jammy paradise.” Though 2011 will only be the festival’s second year, they gained attention by bringing in bands that play much larger festivals and venues, but capping ticket sales at 15K folks. The event draws musicians from multiple genres, including indie rock, electronica, alt-country, bluegrass, funk and folk.

The event is held at the Oxford Fairgrounds, which is about three hours from Boston. Camping is encouraged.  

Thievery Corporation, STS9, Gregg Allman Band, Bob Weir (solo acoustic), Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Guster, Ghostland Observatory, Chris Robinson & Jackie Greene (acoustic duo), Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, 7 Walkers, Keller Williams, Martin Sexton, The New Deal Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Dave Mason, Peter Wolf, EOTO, Donna the Buffalo, Max Creek, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Tim Reynolds and TR3, Moonalice, McLovins, Gypsy Tailwind, Eskmo, Zach Deputy, Strangefolk, Ryan Montbleau Band, Session Americana, Sister Sparrow, Dopapod, Indobox, Roots of Creation, The Mallett Brother Band, Nutritious, Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws, Ghost of Jupiter, featuring Nate Wilson, Otis Groove, Nephrok! Allstars, The Ron Noyes Band

Nateva Official site

Nateva Twitter

Nateva Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

 

April 15-17, 2011

Indio, CA

The annual Coachella Festival ranges from hip-hop to electronica, from euro-pop to indie, and embraces the what’s-new-is-old-and-what’s-old-is new mentality to its core.

Kanye and Duran Duran? Don’t mind if I do! Reunited Big Audio Dynamite and pop-muse Robyn? Certainly! Duos The Black Keys and The Chemical Brothers? Hell yes!

Surrounded by palm trees in the Palm Springs, CA oasis of the Empire Polo Grounds, the event features about 55 acts each day spread over two huge stages and three large tents. The event is within 15 miles of Palm Springs’ hotels, but attendees can also purchase on-site camping passes.

Other notable acts include Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Animal Collective, The National, PJ Harvey, Bright Eyes, Interpol, Lauryn Hill, and Suede.

Coachella Official Site

Coachella Twitter

Coachella Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

CMJ Music Marathon

October 18-22, 2011

New York City, NY

Line-up TBA

Hundreds of indie showcases, seminars, film screenings, panel discussions (including an Entertainment Law Seminar), trade show, exclusive parties all in Manhattan are what makes CMJ the SXSW or Noisepop of the East Coast. Over 10,000 music professionals attend the conference. 2010 saw the event headquartered at New York University, but over 100 venues around the city play host to shows and events to the other 120,000 music fans that come for the music alone.

Part of the College Music journal (CMJ) Network, the five-day Music Marathon is one of the largest and longest-running industry events of its kind. In 2011 the event will turn 31! With a focus on college radio and non-commercial acts, the event ironically draws big name performers (well, before they hit it big) and keynote speakers.

CMJ Music Marathon Official Site

CMJ Music Network Twitter

CMJ Music Network Facebook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

All Good Music Festival

 

July 14-17, 2011

Masontown, VW

In 2011 this four-day event celebrates its 15th anniversary, further establishing itself as a mellow, yet large scale destination festival with camping and on-site amenities. Held in the pastoral Martins Mountain Top, past years have included three stages with no overlapping sets. On site camping on 650 acres of mountain top that overlooks the Allegheny Mountain range. RV camping and family camping options are available, too, for those not down with the 10AM-4AM music schedule.

Further featuring Phil Lesh & Bob Weir (of the Grateful Dead), Primus, Pretty Lights, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, John Butler Trio, Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams, Galactic, Toots & the Maytals, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Infamous Stringdusters, Toubab Krewe, Hot Buttered Rum String Band, Orgone and many, many more!

All Good Music Festival Official Site

All Good Music Festival Twitter

All Good Music Festival Faceboook page

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Thursday Throwdown: Toro Y Moi's Underneath the Pine

 

This Thursday, we bring you a Throwdown between Prefix and Slant Magazines - both weigh in on the newest Toro Y Moi record, Underneath the Pine.

“The battle to crown the princes of chillwave has been won, handily, by Toro y Moi,” says Prefix Mag’s Andrew Winistorfer, who gave the record an eight out of ten. “Underneath relies… on watery soul, funk and electronica, forming a more organic sounding, and ultimately more rewarding, album [than 2010’s Causers of This].”

Winistorfer goes on to say the single, “Still Sound,” sounds “like they stepped into a time machine in 1978 and walked out this month with a perfect single.”

However, Kevin Liedel over at Slant Magazine gave the record 2.5 out of five stars. “Despite the oversaturated warmth of [the record]'s production, this is a cold record, an archetype of technical mastery and genre-worship prevailing over the artistry of an individual voice.” Liedel adds, singer “[Chaz Bundick] rarely elevates it beyond the trappings of its blog-driven genre… Underneath the Pine is exactly the kind of record that an emerging artist like Bundick would hope to avoid: a completely forgettable one.”

What do you think? Has Underneath the Pine secured Toro Y Moi’s place as the Prince of Chillwave, or has it made him completely forgettable? Let us know.

-Erin O.

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

'Stylo' Steals, Eddy Alleges

It’s that time again: time for another plagiarism claim!

The newest protest comes from 80s reggae star Eddy Grant about the first single from the new Gorillaz album Plastic Beach. Grant has consulted his lawyers alleging that there are “substantive similarities” between the current Gorillaz single “Stylo” and Grant’s 1983 track “Time Warp.”

In an email to the British music magazine NME, he explained “My song sits almost note to note with their release and is a blatant rip off. ‘Time Warp’ is a very popular song and has been a staple of the DJ scene for many years and I feel total disrespect from Gorillaz and their management company, especially as they are an established act.” Neither Gorillaz nor their label E.M.I. have commented on the situation as of yet, but the argument has already spilled into the public domain with fans of each artist taking a side in the debate.

Still, there is something of a silver lining: Coldplay fans across the globe are breathing a sigh of relief that plagiarism lawyers currently have other artists to concern them.

As is now customary, a helpful Youtube user has uploaded both tracks back to back so we can compare:

And while we're here, if you haven't seen the official Bruce Willis-starring video for "Stylo" yet, we suggest you head over to YouTube to see it, cos it's really cool.

Do you think Eddy has a case? Or do you think it's just a coincidence?

--Hazel @ SoundUnwound

SoundUnwound's editorial team write about the latest big music news and quirky stories which catch the eye. We also post a selection of these news stories on Chordstrike; for much, much more, visit SoundUnwound.com, the new music site from IMDb and Amazon. Follow us at twitter.com/soundunwound.

Christopher Walken Performs Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"

Our friends over at Armchair Commentary posted this awesome video of actor Christopher Walken performing Lady Gaga's "Poker Face."  I'm a Lady Gaga fan, but I have to say--nobody does it like Christopher Walken.  Check out both Walken's version and the original Gaga music video below.

--Bri Nguyen

The Best Music of 2009

It may feel a little early for this sort of thing, but we on the Amazon music team have pooled our collective knowledge and taste to determine the best music of 2009.

We spent 2009 soothed by Neko Case's wail, moved to dance by Yeah Yeah Yeahs' turn towards big beats, intrigued by Somali hip-hop Troubadour K'naan, and ready to hear three key words from neo-twangsters the Avett Brothers.

On the songs side, French popsters Phoenix went nutty for a composer and we went nutty for Phoenix. La Roux made us feel invincible, Jay-Z officially crushed an awful trend, and Passion Pit sent us reeling.

Voting with their wallets, our customers told us they really like U2, as it was both our bestselling CD and MP3 album of 2009. Black Eyed Peas also popped up in plenty of playlists, as they locked down the top two slots on our songs chart.

Every year, great albums slip through the cracks. This year, our editors wanted to save some from that unfair fate. We shine a spotlight on excellent underheard CD and MP3 albums across all genres, and we've even made a playlist featuring a single song from each record, so you can sample 'til you find something you like.

Dig into the lists and see which lists line up most closely with your personal tastes:

Best Albums of 2009

1. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
3. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
5. the Avett Brothers - I and Love and You
6. Girls - Album
7. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
8. K'naan - Troubadour
9. Jay-Z - Blueprint 3
10. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

> See all top 100 best albums of 2009
> See the list at Amazon MP3

Best Songs of 2009

1. Phoenix - "Lisztomania"
2. La Roux - "Bulletproof"
3. Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)"
4. Animal Collective - "My Girls"
5. Neko Case - "People Got a Lotta Nerve"
6. Passion Pit - "The Reeling"
7. Girls - "Lust for Life"
8. Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks"
9. The Avett Brothers - "I and Love and You"
10. Lily Allen - "The Fear"

> See all top 100 best songs of 2009
> Sample songs 1-50
> Sample songs 51-100

Bestselling CDs of 2009 (through October, including pre-orders)

1. U2 - No Line on the Horizon
2. Susan Boyle - I Dreamed a Dream
3. Diana Krall - Quiet Nights
4. Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream
5. Bob Dylan - Together through Life

> See all 100 bestselling CDs of 2009

Bestselling MP3 Albums of 2009 (through October)

1. U2 - No Line on the Horizon
2. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
3. Jay-Z - Blueprint 3
4. Paramore - Brand New Eyes
5. Lily Allen - The Fear

> See all 100 bestselling MP3 albums of 2009

Bestselling Songs of 2009 (through October)

1. Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"
2. Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"
3. Flo Rida - "Right Round"
4. Miley Cyrus - "The Climb"
5. Pitbull - "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho"

> See all 100 bestselling songs of 2009
> Sample songs 1-50
> Sample songs 51-100

Outstanding 2009 Albums You Might Have Missed

1. Throw Me the Statue - Creaturesque
2. Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band
3. The Legends - Over and Over
4. Lushlife - Cassette City
5. Point Juncture, Wa - Heart to Elk

> See all 100 2009 albums you might have missed at Amazon MP3
> Sample songs from albums 1-50
> Sample songs from albums 51-100

Head over to our best music of 2009 store to find complete lists, plus the best in everything from Latin music to Gospel to comedy and all points between.

We're aware there's still a decent chunk of the year left. We'll be adding a latecomers and honorable mentions feature over the next few weeks. Hit the comments, let us know what we missed, and perhaps it'll make an appearance.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Best Music of October, 2009: La Roux

Now that the ‘80s music revival is in full swing, those of us who were lucky enough to experience the original decade, and who were sad to see its musical demise, have a lot to be thankful for--and nobody has re-imagined the clean, danceable pop of the ‘80s for the new millennium better than British synthophiles La Roux. Sporting artistic influences of the highest order, including Prince’s dark electro funk, Eurythmics’ shocking visual and melodic style, and a heavy dose of the sharp songwriting and synthtastic sounds  of Yaz (or Yazoo to you Brits) , the team of Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid have created an anachronistic gem of an album that’s so strong, it could have brought back the ‘80s all on its own.

So much synthpop from past decades, as well as from today, has a plastic, disposable feel to it, and truly, much of it is just that—but not La Roux. What’s so salient about this debut release is not only its sharp attention to sonic detail and stylistic flair, but, as with all of the best pop music, its top-tier songwriting. These songs are catchy, deeply felt, full of attitude, and just the right length. Every listen leaves me begging for the back button, and check my iTunes library—of all the records I’ve loved and obsessed over this year, nothing has had more play than La Roux. Tracks like “Bulletproof” are undeniable, amplifying the most ‘80s elements of the ‘80s into a distilled and concentrated dose of thoughtful, dark, pop perfection that feel like they’d be perfect for everything from exercising and dancing to road-tripping and relaxing.

But honestly, you don’t need to be a fan of ‘80s music, or even pop to appreciate what this album really is—a timeless, quality work of art created by talented people who feel what they’re doing so much that every synthesized note feels completely natural.

Check out La Roux's video for their latest single, "I'm Not Your Toy," as well as the classic "Bulletproof," below.

--Alan Wiley

La Roux: Interviewed

Earlier this summer, on one of the hottest days in the history of Seattle, I sat down with Mercury Prize-nominated artist Elly Jackson, half of British electronic pop sensation La Roux, before one of just a handful of stateside club shows she played prior to her band's domestic release. With her partner-in-music Ben Langmaid, the 21-year-old Ms. Jackson has created one of my favorite records of the year, La Roux's self-titled debut, which made its much-anticipated appearance on American shores just this week.

With a bevy of UK top 10 singles ("Bulletproof," "In For The Kill," "Quicksand"), critical acclaim, and superstar status across the pond, La Roux is poised to make a big splash here in the states. We talked about songwriting, the '80s, and the band's international potential, among other things. Check out the interview below.

--Alan Wiley

Kanye and Gaga at the MTV Video Music Awards

The media was buzzing this morning over Kanye West's outburst at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.  If you haven't already heard, Kanye rushed onstage during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video, snatched the mic, and loudly proclaimed that Beyoncé had "one of the best videos of all time." 

For some reason, this doesn't surprise me at all.  It's Kanye, after all.  And while this particular incident is all over the media today, it will blow over fairly quickly, as these things tend to do.  I was, however, mildly curious about seeing the actual incident, so I dug up some video.  Check it out below.

I also came across the video of Lady Gaga performing "Paparazzi" at the awards, and what a performance it was.  I found it thoroughly entertaining--dramatic, satirical, and "bloody" good fun (you'll see what I mean if you watch the video.)  And she can actually sing live, too.  Sometimes her musical ability is overshadowed by her penchant for the outrageous, but she's quite the musician, IMHO.      

--Bri Nguyen